Email

LAST week an unsigned email from Netra­ckerOnline@gmail.com landed in my inbox. It accused me of stirring “hate against the state and the institutions in the garb of being sane and intellectual” while claiming “we know what cooks in your mind when u address the masses and who u work for”. And so, to deal with me, it says “we can enlist them”. What “them” means is unstated.

Hidden somewhere in cyber space some prankster bearing some personal grudge — possibly a student who couldn’t pass my physics course — might well have authored this email. If so the only action called for has already been taken — hitting the delete button followed by a trash flush. I lost no sleep over this.

But instead, what if today there is actually some organised and systematic effort afoot to frighten and silence those Pakistani voices judged unpatriotic? Could this be why — now for many months — meaningful political analysis and discussion have disappeared from local print and electronic media? Bloggers have disappeared, only to reappear with horrendous tales to tell, and many journalists have been stilled forever.

To gag voices that dare criticise abuse of power cannot lead to a better and more viable Pakistan.

The evidence is all over: cable operators have been forced to block certain TV news channels, and street hawkers have been warned against selling certain newspapers that don’t toe the line. The line — that mysterious line — can only be inferred because specifying it might reveal too much of who actually draws the line. With some exceptions, owners, editors, anchors, journalists, and opinion writers have fallen quickly into place.

But even if some voices are successfully gagged, I contend such tactics by anonymous actors cannot ever create a more stable or stronger Pakistan. In fact the efforts of NetrackerOnline@gmail.com and his ilk are arguably counter-patriotic. Here’s why.

First, freedom of expression acts as a safety valve against authoritarian rule, tyranny and secret government. Secret government is bad because it is uninhibited by the checks and balances needed for good governance. Accountability is not just about iqamas and politicians. It’s equally needed for generals, judges, lawyers, professors, policemen and milkmen. If certain voices are amplified while others are suppressed, genuine accountability becomes difficult.

Second, true patriotism comes from caring. In fact, real caring is often the reason why some dare raise voices to criticise what they perceive wrong around them. While Mr NetrackerOnline@gmail.com was probably told in his school that criticising state institutions is unpatriotic, this view is without logic.

Should citizens of Pakistan be stopped from sharing and airing their thoughts on PIA’s performance, the national cricket team, or the country’s professors, politicians, or generals? None of these are holy, faultless, and above reproach. No patriotic Pakistani can have beef with the state or any of its institutions provided these function within their respective mandates.

This begs the key question: who is a patriotic Pakistani and acts to benefit it? Equivalently, what is Pakistan’s national interest and who may rightfully define it? Surely this is not for some hidden force to specify. The only proper way is to determine its parameters through open and honest public debate.

Here’s my take, hopefully shared by many millions. A true patriot wants to make Pakistan poverty-free; to help it achieve high standards of justice and financial integrity; to convince its different peoples and provinces about mutual sharing and caring; to help make real universities instead of the ones we have; to explore space and become a world leader in science; to develop literature and the arts; and much more.

The other conception of Pakistani patriotism and national interest — the mainstream one — is different. Taught in schools and propagated via the media, it focuses upon our relations with India. This involves freeing Kashmir from India; deterring India with nuclear weapons; creating strategic depth against India through controlling Afghanistan; neutralising Indian power by nurturing the Pakistan-China relationship; punishing Iran for its friendship with India; etc. This India-centric view has been strengthened by Indian obduracy on Kashmir, its unconscionable repression of Kashmiri protesters, and the emergence of a hard-line anti-Muslim Hindu right.

But now matters other than India are casting dark shadows. Short of nuclear war or a miracle, nothing can now prevent Pakistan from reaching 400 million people in 35-40 years. Water is running short, and environmental destruction is everywhere. Then there are fanatical mullahs that the state appeases, fights, and then appeases again.

Add these all up and you can understand why Mr NetrackerOnline@gmail.com’s mind is being unconsciously governed by the fears of Robert Hobbes (1588-1679). Hobbes famously articulated the dread of a state sliding deep into dystopia. During the English Civil War, he became obsessed with demonstrating the necessity of a strong central authority to avoid the evil of discord and civil war.

In one of the best known passages of English literature, Hobbes writes: “In such condition, there is no place for industry; because the fruit thereof is uncertain: and consequently no culture of the earth; no account of time; no arts; no letters; no society; and which is worst of all, continual fear, and danger of violent death; and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” His only solution is an absolute authority in the form of an absolute monarch. Else, says Hobbes, there would be a “war of all against all”.

Hobbes was wrong and his negative vision proved false. England grew to be Europe’s most powerful country and a fountain of civilisation. Democracy was central to this; without developing a system resting on freedom of speech and thought England could never have become the cradle of the Scientific Revolution and then the Industrial Revolution. Rejection of military rule, hereditary privilege, and absolute monarchy eventually won universal acceptance.

I wonder if Mr NetrackerOnline@gmail.com and others with a negative vision will get to read this article. Will they realise that trying to shut people up is actually unpatriotic? For all who care for the well-being of Pakistan and its people, it is a patriotic duty to speak against abuses of power. Equating patriotism with passivity and unquestioning obedience is nonsense. Pakistan Zindabad!

On DawnNews

Comments (62) Closed

Amitjoshi

Jun 23, 2018 07:00am

Great article sir.

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Jawaid

Jun 23, 2018 08:31am

Thank you Sir for talking the truth.

There is a fine line however, between freedom of speech and defaming and endangering security apparatus. If true democracy free of interference and manipulation existed in our country, many of such speeches, outbursts would be missing.

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Honest

Jun 23, 2018 08:48am

This is like a true patriot. Hoodbhoy feels the pain of millions of poor Pakistanis. A great intellectual who is forthright, honest and undeterred by threats by powers that be.

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Anand

Jun 23, 2018 08:52am

You are amongst the handful that remain the last best hope for Pakistan. Please keep up the good work, stand strong and please...take care.

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Zafar dahir

Jun 23, 2018 09:02am

Very good professor Sahib. If one loves his or her country n is die hard for Pakistan, he or she must speak out when occasion comes where his or her rights or societal values are abused.pakistan pianda bad

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RP

Jun 23, 2018 09:07am

Goodone Pervez sir..

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RAja raman

Jun 23, 2018 09:09am

Sir...You are one of the finest, rational and fearless voice of Pakistan. And your analysis are unbiased and hard hitting. Not only Pakistan, entire civilised world need people like you. Please stay safe, while continuing your good work. DAWN should give more space to people like him.

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TQ

Jun 23, 2018 09:21am

Pakistan Zindabad! and Pervez Sahib Zindabad!. Beautiful writeup.

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Syed

Jun 23, 2018 09:24am

Dear Professor,

Thanks for writing an excellent article as usual. Please don't stop writing and be safe.

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melton

Jun 23, 2018 09:34am

Such clarity on our current dystopia, sir you are head and shoulders above our leaders and institutions.

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Ali from India

Jun 23, 2018 09:53am

Wow, worth reading!!

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SATYAKI DATTA

Jun 23, 2018 09:58am

Wonderfully put across by a courageous man for courageous citizens.

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Aafiyat nazar

Jun 23, 2018 10:10am

What a brilliant article....those who are week in reasoning will always resort to shut voices as they cannot answer questions and respond to critics....and because their variability is exposed so they resort to such uncivilized tactics to prove their bravery..which is a mirage and actually further exposes them...

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Arshad

Jun 23, 2018 10:28am

A saner voice from my beloved country; hope wisdom prevails. He is one of the few assets that we have; live long respected Dr. Saheb.

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Shalone

Jun 23, 2018 10:28am

I love to read your articles. Please take this mail seriously and be more careful. There are evil people around who do not know what tolerance and different views are and are willing to go to extremes. I wish we could educate such extremists.

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Shah Iqbaal

Jun 23, 2018 10:35am

People are coming to understand clearly that who is pulling the string for its own benefit and control over the masses.

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Nazeer

Jun 23, 2018 10:58am

Good to see u sir not being toothless
This whole nation is there to support your truths now and always. Pakistan zindabad..

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Shahbaz Azam

Jun 23, 2018 11:42am

Pervaiz hoodbhoy is assert of Pakistan

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SM

Jun 23, 2018 12:08pm

@Jawaid : you seem to have missed the entire point of the article.

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Accountability

Jun 23, 2018 12:08pm

@Jawaid The line between defamation and violence is very stark though.

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Subz

Jun 23, 2018 12:22pm

Dr. Hoodbhoy is one of my favourite Pakistanis. And like always he makes a very strong case. It’s time that the people who draw lines realise that an India Centric view of our situation won’t help us. This world and the next belongs to countries with economic and technological edge. This should be our only focus. And for this we need sound economic policies and an educated, tolerant work force.

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Hamza

Jun 23, 2018 12:24pm

Very well said. We should learn to question things rather than following them blindly.

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AW

Jun 23, 2018 12:33pm

I could not agree more. Suppression of thought and expression is death of a nation, whereas freedom of speech and debate is the foundation for building a strong and prosperous country

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Alla Ditta

Jun 23, 2018 12:48pm

Hats off to you Sir and thumbs down for the dark forces lurking in my beloved country, Pakistan.

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Haseeb Musawir

Jun 23, 2018 12:51pm

Even though I belong to opposite school of thought , I always appreciate his well argued ideas. The secular lobby in Pakistan is mostly consist of bad character, liers and propagandists, Hood bhoy is different from them. Well reasoned, strong character and consistent in his views. He is the great asset of Pakistan ,who shows us the other side of the picture which we must see to become a balanced nation.

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Feroz

Jun 23, 2018 01:22pm

Fear and insecurity trigger irrational choices that manifest themselves in ugly ways. Positive thinking as the Professor has recommended cannot spring from a troubled mind. The concept of National Interest has been well argued and many would agree with the postulations, where majority seem confused is whether the citizen or his/her elected government can be trusted.

It must be understood that only the citizens efforts and thinking can make a country great and no self appointed guardian can claim it knows what is good for the citizen. Multiple unconstitutional power centers has made the task of running the country incredibly difficult because those power centers lack accountability. Threats and coercion is the outcome when unconstitutional forces get challenged.

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Sheroo

Jun 23, 2018 01:28pm

Dear Dr Hoodbhoy, this is a logical explanation to an illogical masses of our society. Unfortunately those masses rules and control the vast majority of literate or illiterate strong headed people of our society. This will Never change until or unless unbiased work done to change the mindset. Mr Hoodbhoy in my opinion it’s only people like you we are counting on to bring about this change otherwise it’s a doomed society I’m afraid.

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Best Pakistan

Jun 23, 2018 01:45pm

Well written article, all journalists, anchors show highlight this serious issue of gagging the voices who abuse the power in Pakistan and the editors should promote such articles to be published in their newspapers, websites, social media and TV channels. Dawn.com well done, Keep up this campaign against abusers of power until you get the best Pakistan, where there is prosperity, freedom of speech and expression & equality for its citizens.

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Mohajir

Jun 23, 2018 01:49pm

The shadow state has been ruling Pakistan since 1947. Democracy in Pakistan is just an illusion sold to voters and international community. Reality is only two civilian governments were able to complete their term, out of which elected PM NS was evicted from PM chair.

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LIAQUAT ALI THAHEEM

Jun 23, 2018 02:11pm

Dr sb...you have very correctly described the real threats to Pakistan. Experiece suggest that those who control Pakistan are not going to reconsider their way to run this country...

In India the situation is not dissimilar, reading daily news. They shut anti-Modi 'unpatriotic people' up even more and even tell them to leave - their own citizens.

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Umesh

Jun 23, 2018 02:33pm

I wish better sense prevails.
Sir,I have differences with you,but I would go any length to
Keep you safer and happy.

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Awaz

Jun 23, 2018 03:14pm

Thanks sir for the article, what it also shows to the NetrackerOnline@gmail.com that peoples are less afraid of sharing their thoughts and they have multiple channels to do so. It is no more 1980s. World is different where difference in opinion is considered as a healthy start for discussion. It is nothing to do with the loyalty towards a specific country or organisation.

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Syed Waqar Ali

Jun 23, 2018 03:39pm

Lovely as always.

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AFRIDI

Jun 23, 2018 03:41pm

An excellent article from finest, logical and a true patriotic Pakistani, Sir we are in debt to you for your bold and positive approach on most issues we, the people of Pakistan are facing.

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Yaseen Khan

Jun 23, 2018 03:53pm

A sold answer to all undemocratic forces..

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aga Khan

Jun 23, 2018 05:45pm

Simply- outstanding. Expressing you voice in such a beautiful way and let Dawn publish it - A silver lining and (still) a hope for a better Pakistan.

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SPINOZA

Jun 23, 2018 07:21pm

It was Thomas Hobbes, not Robert Hobbes.

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Sumalani Baloch

Jun 23, 2018 07:40pm

Sir, if we have some thousand more minds like you than Pakistan would have become changed from its present condition.
Your article has highlighted the facts and has given a view to us that what kind of patriots should we be.
Great piece ..

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Lkmohan

Jun 23, 2018 07:41pm

Those people who can't face reality. These types of threats are common.for them we can't change our attitudes. Keep on going with your own ideology. Your writing s are inspiring us

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UZI

Jun 23, 2018 07:52pm

Totally agree with overarching theme of the article. However, I have seen Hoodhboy walk out of a debate because he could not tolerate opposing views. So, i guess my message to him would be 'practice what you preach'

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Umardaud

Jun 23, 2018 08:04pm

Say no to the undemocraric forces by voting against their supporters in elections in July

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C.Mahapatra

Jun 23, 2018 08:07pm

I must confess, I am in love with your clean thoughts & words. They have magnetic power. As a scientist you have a responsibility to find out and tell your countrymen, followers & critics, the fundamental underlying causative reason/driver for this fast deteriorating state of affairs.

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Big John

Jun 23, 2018 08:51pm

Whoever wrote that email sounds unhinged.

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Truth Prevails

Jun 23, 2018 10:13pm

This and similar articles must be broadcast, printed and discussed in popular media and be part of textbooks. Only then we can expect Pakistan to realize its full potential. Pervez Saheb, you are rendering great service to the nation. Shukriya.

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Lal khan

Jun 23, 2018 11:26pm

Brilliant. To add further to debate, the state of man doctrine of Hobbes, has been roundly criticized by modern authorship. Especially by Wendt in international relations. His article "Anarchy is what we make of it" is a brilliant destruction of narrow minded ideas of Hobbes.

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Lal khan

Jun 23, 2018 11:32pm

Institutions change due to compulsions. And only due to complusions throughout history. Glaring realities will force there way from subconscious to conscious in ten fifteen years. All i wish is, that it bodes well for my country and countrymen when it does.
No body can stop the current of Truth. Manufactured perceptual manipulation does fall apart everywhere. Pakistan is facing existential conflict between it's priorities and it's well being. Options are peace able living or social strife. Lets see what we choose.

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Shah Zaman

Jun 23, 2018 11:39pm

Hoodbhoy has shown the true reflection of democratic values and ground realities in current state. Although I agree with him 100% regarding his parameters and please make another attribute is self-reflective mindset as
well. great article and good luck Sir.
kind regards

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Ali Sajjad

Jun 24, 2018 12:00am

Superb article ...may sanity prevails

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Ali Vazir

Jun 24, 2018 12:46am

What a marvelous piece of write-up. Making us believe that yes, there is hope left with some saner elements.
We all must be united in denouncing bullying tactics and demanding a just and tolerant system.

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Mhd Khan

Jun 24, 2018 12:57am

You are a brilliant thinker and courageous. Please do keep standing up to these bullies! Things are changing and they know it!

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Mohsin

Jun 24, 2018 08:51am

A lovely piece.... Indeed none, especially those who represent the state or her organs be above scrutiny. I wish there were more voices here and in our neighbourhood who took the environment and water issues more seriously and we could put our heads together to solve these real problems.
Dissent is good in an open society. But today it is rarely for positive construct of our society. Most of the bloggers and fringe movements popping up every day seem to have agendas which weaken society and rarely mean any good...

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Syed Irfan ali

Jun 24, 2018 09:59am

Pervaiz Hoodbhoy at his best as always...

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Fazal Karim

Jun 24, 2018 12:45pm

You should be Pakistan High Commissioner in Delhi to be of practical use.

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saqib ghumman

Jun 24, 2018 01:05pm

A passionate , patriotic Pakistani is visible in the article. Well written , we need many more like you!

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Fair_Point

Jun 24, 2018 05:11pm

I wish and pray for this man that he remains safe....a true patriot and visionary, a rare breed in today's Pakistan.

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voice

Jun 25, 2018 01:29am

What a great article sir. It is up to the sensible faction of the society to teach the real definition of patriotism and to counter extremism and pseudo patriotism.

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Seedoo

Jun 25, 2018 02:13am

@Jawaid Who is going to decide which speech is fair and which speech is dangerous? You cannot have it both ways my friend. Either you believe in freedom of expression or not.

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USR

Jun 25, 2018 02:24am

Excellent article that tells the truth. However, has open mind for all topics has blinders about Kashmir and follows the views of security organization. A rational mind will recognize the reality and first concentrate development and well being of citizens.

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Khalid Nadeem Qureshi

Jun 25, 2018 05:30am

Dr. Hoodbhoy descends from a well known, generation after generation, rich family. He is a fantastic teacher and excellent physicist, who could have made a great career at MIT. Yet he chose to live as a Dervish in Pakistan. I know he has been sanely and forcefully presenting Pakistan’s case in this country and that country including arch rival India. Any harm to him will not be tolerated!

Khalid Nadeem Qureshi

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AW

Jun 25, 2018 05:34am

Those who make such short sighted and repressive decisions on behalf of the State are exposing themselves to be weak and individually insecure personalities. If they were strong, wise and secure persons, they would be encouraging free expression and debate while completely refraining from extra judicial activities so that we can begin to function and develop as a viable and respectable nation

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reader

Jun 25, 2018 07:22pm

Every country has good minds, Pervez Hoodbhoy has one of the finest minds in Pakistan. Thinks clearly and articulates his thoughts clearly, because what he thinks is what we his readers also think, only his thoughts has more "strategic depth" and makes DAWN a paper worth reading. Never retreat.